You’re walking down P Street, just a block or two off the massive, swirling energy of Dupont Circle. The noise of the city starts to fade into that specific brand of D.C. neighborhood charm—brick sidewalks, historic row houses, and a sudden sense that you’re in a place where people actually live, not just where they lobby. Then you see it. The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington DC.
It feels different.
Most people visiting the District get sucked into the vacuum of Pennsylvania Avenue or the sterile, glass-and-steel corridors of the Wharf. Those places are fine, honestly. But they aren't Dupont. The Palomar has always been this weirdly perfect bridge between high-end luxury and "let's grab a craft beer and talk about art." It’s an "Art in Motion" themed hotel, which sounds like marketing fluff until you actually walk into the lobby and realize they aren't joking.
What You Need to Know About the Vibe at Hotel Palomar Washington DC
The first thing you’ll notice is the space.
Standard D.C. hotel rooms are notorious for being roughly the size of a postage stamp. You pay $400 a night to bump your shins on the bed frame while trying to reach the bathroom. The Hotel Palomar Washington DC ignores that trend entirely. The rooms are massive. We’re talking 400 square feet for a basic guest room, which is basically a mansion by mid-Atlantic urban standards.
It’s the neighborhood that sells it, though. Dupont Circle is the soul of the city’s international and LGBTQ+ communities. You’ve got the Phillips Collection—America's first museum of modern art—right around the corner. You have Kramer’s bookstore for a late-night browse and a snack. Staying here means you aren't a tourist; you’re a temporary resident of one of the coolest zip codes in the country.
The Kimpton "Secret Sauce"
If you’ve stayed at a Kimpton before, you know about the social hour. It’s a thing. Every evening, usually around 5:00 PM, they host a wine hour in the lobby.
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It isn't just about free booze. It’s where you see the real mix of the city. You might be standing next to a tech consultant from San Francisco, a diplomat in town for a conference, or a local who just likes the atmosphere. It breaks that awkward "don't look at anyone in the elevator" rule that most hotels have. It makes the place feel human.
Is the Art Theme Actually Good?
Usually, when a hotel says they are "art-focused," it means they bought three prints from a corporate catalog and hung them slightly crooked.
At the Hotel Palomar Washington DC, the theme is "Art in Motion." This reflects in the sweeping curves of the furniture and the actual gallery-quality pieces scattered throughout the property. It’s meant to feel like a studio. The colors are bold—think deep reds, cool grays, and bright whites.
Does it work?
Mostly. If you prefer the beige, "quiet luxury" of a Park Hyatt, this might feel a bit loud. But if you want a room that actually has a personality, this is it. The beds are famously comfortable, and the Frette linens are the real deal. You will sleep well here. That's a promise.
Working Out and Chilling Out
They have a fitness center, sure. It’s fine. It has the Peloton bikes and the weights you’d expect. But the real "Kimpton" move is the yoga mat in every closet. They want you to move. They also have a fleet of custom-designed public bikes. Grab one. Seriously.
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Biking from Dupont Circle down through Embassy Row or over to the Rock Creek Park trails is the single best way to see D.C. without losing your mind in traffic or underground on the Metro (though the Dupont North entrance is only two blocks away if you need it).
Eating at Urbana (and Beyond)
The onsite restaurant is Urbana. It specializes in coastal Italian cuisine.
- The Pizza: Surprisingly legit. They have a wood-fired oven that gets the crust just right—charred but chewy.
- The Bar: This is a local haunt. Happy hour at Urbana is a staple for people who work in the nearby non-profits and law firms.
- The Wine: The list is heavy on Italian imports, which pairs perfectly with the house-made pasta.
But here is the thing: you are in Dupont. If you don't venture out, you're missing the point. You have Le Diplomate on 14th Street for the quintessential D.C. power brunch (get the mushroom tart, thank me later). You have Iron Gate, which is arguably one of the most romantic outdoor dining spots in the city, located in a converted 19th-century stable.
What People Get Wrong About the Location
Some travelers worry that being in Dupont Circle means they are "too far" from the National Mall.
That’s a myth.
You can walk to the White House in about 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a straight shot down Connecticut Avenue. The walk itself is beautiful, passing through Farragut Square and past some of the city's most impressive architecture. If you're heading to the Smithsonian museums, the Red Line Metro at Dupont Circle will get you to Metro Center or Gallery Place in under ten minutes. You get the benefit of a quiet night’s sleep away from the tourist sirens, but you’re still in the thick of it.
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The Specifics: Suites and Specialty Rooms
If you are traveling for a special occasion, the "Motion" suites are worth the splurge. They feature separate living areas and soaking tubs that are large enough to drown a small horse (don't do that, obviously).
One thing that genuinely sets this property apart is its pet policy.
Kimpton is legendary for this. Their rule is: "If your pet fits through the door, they are welcome." No deposit. No extra fee. No weight limit. They will bring a bed and bowls to your room. I’ve seen everything from Great Danes to a literal bird in the lobby. It creates a very friendly, non-stuffy atmosphere.
Dealing with the D.C. Realities
Let’s be honest about the downsides because no hotel is perfect.
- Parking: It’s D.C. Valet parking is expensive. Like, "I could have bought a nice dinner for this price" expensive. If you can avoid bringing a car, do it. Use ride-shares or the Metro.
- The Elevators: During peak conference season, the elevators can be a bit slow. Not "I'm going to miss my flight" slow, but "I've checked my watch twice" slow.
- The Price Fluctuations: D.C. is a city of "events." If there is a major march, a massive convention, or an inauguration, the rates at the Hotel Palomar Washington DC will spike. Book early if you know your dates.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
In an era where every hotel brand is trying to look like a minimalist Scandinavian dorm room, the Palomar keeps its soul. It feels like a place that was designed by people who actually like art and conversation. It doesn't feel like a spreadsheet.
The staff here often sticks around for years. That’s rare in the hospitality industry. You get the sense that they actually know the neighborhood and aren't just reading off a "top 10 things to do" list generated by a corporate office in another state.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided that the Hotel Palomar Washington DC is your home base, here is how to do it right:
- Request a high floor: The street noise on P Street isn't bad, but the views of the city skyline are much better from the 7th floor and up.
- Join the IHG One Rewards program: Since Kimpton is part of IHG, you get "Raid the Bar" credits and free Wi-Fi just for signing up. It’s a no-brainer.
- Check the events calendar: Dupont Circle often has Sunday farmers markets and seasonal festivals. Ask the concierge what's happening specifically in the "Circle" during your stay.
- Skip the hotel breakfast once: Go to Teaism nearby for a salty oat cookie and ginger scones. It’s a local institution.
- Use the "Forgot It? We’ve Got It!" list: Kimpton provides everything from tweezers and lip balm to humidifiers and international plug adapters for free. Don't pack your whole bathroom.
The Hotel Palomar Washington DC isn't just a place to crash. It’s a vantage point. It allows you to see Washington D.C. not as a collection of monuments and marble, but as a living, breathing neighborhood with a pulse. Whether you're there to lobby Congress or just to eat your way through the 14th Street corridor, it’s a smart, stylish choice that hits the sweet spot between "too fancy" and "not fancy enough."